The end of the school year draws near—a sign that summer is right around the corner, bringing with it sunny days, ice-cold drinks and more new movies.
Those seeking a break from the forthcoming high temps may seek refuge at an air-conditioned theater for one of the following releases, which range from a coming-of-age story based on a popular beach read to a biopic for indie fans/fashionistas. Summer vacation starts in five, four, three …
Opening June 6
I am setting aside my personal dislike of Tom Cruise to describe this big-budget release for sci-fi aficionados, which pits the human race against an alien one and places its hero in a “Groundhog Day”-like time loop. Cruise’s co-star: the fabulous Emily Blunt, an actress best known for her roles in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Salmon Fishing in Yemen,” but who has dabbled in this futuristic genre with films like “Looper” and “The Adjustment Bureau.” The special effects look pretty awesome in this action-packed blockbuster, I admit, and the soundtrack made me wanna Shazam, so even Katie Holmes’ ex may not keep me away this time.
The Fault in Our Stars (PG-13)
I started crushing on Shailene Woodley when I saw her onscreen in last year’s “The Spectacular Now”—she’s now the lead in this book-based drama. You may recognize her charming co-star (Ansel Elgort) from his more minor role in Woodley’s last success, “Divergent.” (Her love interest in “The Spectacular Now” also had a part in “Divergent, but I digress.) Hazel and Gus are teenagers in love and in remission, who share a sense of humor and hope for a future together, despite their circumstances. Audiences (in need of Kleenex) will root for their happy ending.
This Sundance selection is one of a handful of comedies to come out this June, albeit in limited release. Jenny Slate (of “Saturday Night Live” fame) plays a stand-up comedian whose life is no joking matter. When she gets pregnant by a man she barely knows (à la “Knocked Up”), Slate must decide what to do (à la “Juno”) and finds herself pleasantly surprised by said one-night-stand’s reaction to her news. Despite its premise, this looks to be a pretty realistic romantic comedy that will warm your heart and leave you with yet another girl crush, no matter your gender.
Ping Pong Summer (not yet rated)
Having grown up playing Ping-Pong with my brother in the basement of our house in Iowa, I was sucked in by the title of this coming-of-age story and further drawn to its premise. While vacationing at the beach with his family during the summer of 1985, 13-year-old Rad Miracle (not kidding, that’s his name) embraces his love of rap music…and table tennis, of course. Unbelievably, this is lead actor Marcello Conte’s first feature film; he strikes it rich right out of the gate with co-stars (and actual ‘80s film icons) Susan Sarandon and Lea Thompson, plus the hilarious Amy Sedaris.
Opening June 13
22 Jump Street (not yet rated)
The boys are back in town. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill seem an unlikely duo, but they worked their comedic magic in the initial installment of this series inspired by the ‘80s cult TV classic, “21 Jump Street,” and are bound for more laughs in this follow-up, where they go undercover not as high schoolers, but as college students. Johnny Depp made a cameo in the first flick, which is reason enough to see the sequel, which lists Depp’s one-time partner, Richard Grieco, as a cast member. (Ladies: There’s a good chance Tatum will take his shirt off onscreen, if you need another reason.) Nick Offerman and Ice Cube reprise their previous roles in this ridiculous, but admittedly funny film. (Pictured above.)
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (PG)
In case your children didn’t learn how to do it right the first time, this sequel shows them how to really train a dragon, should they ever have the opportunity to make one a pet. (Just what you need—right, moms?) Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig (love her), Jay Baruchel (who cracks me up in “This Is the End”) and Craig Ferguson (whose “Late Late Show” I am seriously going to miss come 2015) are among the famous voices in this animated feature.
Opening June 20
My toes start tappin’ just thinkin’ about this upcoming release from Clint Eastwood, who seems an unlikely choice for director of this musical, but does the Tony Award-winning story justice, if the trailer is any indication. The incomparable Christopher Walken stars alongside lesser known, but no less talented actors in this big-screen rendition of the acclaimed Broadway hit about four young men who make it big as ‘60s rock stars.
Opening June 25
Better known as “YSL” to those who can’t pronounce it, Yves Saint Laurent is more than just a brand. Learn all about the man behind the haute couture in this biopic detailing the life of the French fashion designer. If you enjoyed “Coco Before Chanel” and know the difference between Capri pants and pedal pushers (and aren’t afraid of subtitles), then this film’s for you.
Photo by Glen Wilson. COPYRIGHT: © 2013 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
